APERA INSTRUMENTS AI316 Premium Series PC60 5-in-1 Waterproof pH/EC (Conductivity) /TDS (ppm) /Salinity (ppt) /Temp. Multi-Parameter Pocket Tester Kit

Was on the fence with this once because it’s a bit pricey, but I’m glad I pulled the trigger on it.Functionality, features, ease of use, and overall quality is outstanding!!Instructions were clear and easy to follow, easy to calibrate and set up for use, and the backlit screen makes it easy to read.Will need to use longer term to determine durability, but EVERY aspect of this device feels high quality and well-made.The case is nice and holds all the calibration components and gear, it has a nice pocket in the case the holds the certification and manuals… the manual itself is printed on good quality paper, is easy to understand and even comes with a laminated quick guide for basic use and calibration!!This thing wasn’t cheap but feels like great quality through and through; very happy with my purchase!

I recently ordered this Apera pc60 pen. I received it the next day, this came with a basic starter kit with solutions for 2 point calibration on both ph and conductivity (which is all I need personally, although this pen does allow for 3 point calibration) . It’s very easy to setup/calibrate once you receive it and before you use the first time. (Also this meter like many high end meters will come with a few drops in the cap, this is intentional. It doesn’t mean it was used prior, meters can’t/shouldn’t be shipped dry)the meter has some decent weight to it that’s one of the first things you’ll notice, it reads very quickly giving a smiley face when it’s complete, it functions very nicely through the different readings ph, tds, etc(after each calibration it will give a letter circled like (M), (L), (H)-it also gives temperature readings. This meter not only feels good in your hand you also looks great as well. I can’t speak about the battery life(i haven’t had long enough)or the product longevity but Apera has an excellent warranty on their products this meter comes with a 2yr warranty and 6mon warranty on the probe. Overall i think this was a good purchase on a high quality all in one meter. If anything issues problems come up, i will update. Ohh yeah never store your pens dry, be sure to follow the instructions about calibration just incase maybe you have been doing differently. It’s important that once you start the calibration (always starting with 7) that the pen is NOT shutoff before completing the entire calibration.

I'm giving this 5 stars even though I had to return and replace the first one I bought. It worked great for about a week and a half. Then the blue backlight no longer worked and despite calibrating it multiple times, the PH of the water kept getting different readings that were too far apart (using the same glass of water and rinsing the probe in distilled water + drying it before testing again). I contacted Apera, outside of Amazon, to see if I should return it or if I was doing something wrong and they emailed me back the next day. Their suggestion was to return it because it was defective. That was great customer service. I requested a replacement through Amazon and they said it would take 4 days to get the new one. It got here 2 days later. We were very impressed and surprised. So far the new one is doing everything it is supposed to. It is easy to read, easy to adjust and the backlight is a nice added touch.Backlight: Blue is when you are measuring your water. Just so you can read it in the dark if you have to. You can go into setup to adjust if you want the backlight always on, always off or on for 1 minute when you press the power button. Green backlight is when you are calibrating the probe itself and will not come on any other time.The kit came with 4 and 7 calibration solution along with 2 other conductivity calibration solutions, a probe cap that can be used to store the probe in the storage solution (also included in the kit, but it's really tiny and goes fast), plus a lanyard. Be sure NOT to get the 2 black probes wet with the storage solution. Only the clear ball should be in the storage solution. We don't really use the lanyard...it just seems to get in the way for us. In the kit comes the instruction/owner's manual along with a laminated card that is a step by step guide to calibrating the probe. It's large and perfect when you are working around liquid.The Apera website has videos for you to watch if the instructions seem a bit confusing. If you are doing any type of hydroponic gardening, this is a great investment to have. It provides PH, Conductivity, TDS (ppm reading) and Salinity measurements.UPDATE: I accidentally ruined the probe by allowing the 3M KCI soaking dilution to touch the 2 black bars. BE SURE TO NEVER LET THE BLACK PROBES TOUCH THE KCI SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN ISE AND SOAKING. ONLY THE CLEAR GLOBE SHOULD BE IN THE SOLUTION. It took a while for it to fail, but it was not the fault of the product. I ordered a replacement probe from Amazon and it’s working like new. I put a piece of painters tape on the probe cap so I know how high the KCI solution can be withoufht touching the black bars. Easy to change out as well.

First Impressions...Calibration was super simple.Accuracy seems to be spot on (my RODI water measured 7.02).Being multipurpose allows me to use this with both my Aquariums and Hydroponic Systems.Great custom carrying case.I do wish the documentation was a bit more clear around re-use & replacement of calibration and storage solutions.

I had bought a cheaper, similar tester. I could not follow the instructions and it seemed like the cheap tester could not calibrate properly. This Apera tester is so much better. 1) Was calibrated properly right out of the box. I’m just testing household water to insure my RO system & Soft Water conditioner are operating properly. So super accurate readings are not necessary for me. I’ll calibrate the unit in another month or so. 2) The instructions are very clear & accurate. 3) the case & additional equipment (calibration solution, extra vials for calibration, storage solution) are welcome and come in a nice case for all. 5 Star